Disclaimer: I do not own Megami Kohousei – only my unique brand of bad spelling.
Warnings: Shounen-ai fans rejoice; first hint of G/E! For everyone else, much G/L goodness, and sweet T/E interactions. Reference to previous chapters. Choppy sentences? (Sorry, I'm still working on it.)
Notes on previous chapter: Since some people were confused by chp. 9, I thought I'd explain. The dojo is a representation of the inner Yu Hikaru. It's appearance is shaped from Yu's memories of home, but the natural strength of the wooden floor, the virility of the miniature bonsai, and the atmosphere permeated with tradition and purpose – all of these aspects of the dojo are also a part of Yu. Although Yu is a newly arrived candidate, and looks very fragile on the outside, Yu is in fact, strong. Outer appearances can be deceiving. Now, apply this reasoning to Gareas, and please draw your own conclusions. ^_~
Notes for this chapter: No earth shattering epiphanies this time, but we do get to pick Gareas' minds some. Also, this is betaed! (If things get too much for Yele, I might take you up on your offer, silvermyth.) If anyone is annoyed by my scattered use of Japanese, don't hesitate to complain.
Chapter 10 - By Your Side
The rift between Gareas and Ernest continued to exist for a long time. Sometimes, the two would look at each other from the corners of their eyes, wondering if an apology could bridge the distance…but neither was willing to make the first contact. It was obvious to both Leena and Tune that their pilots missed each other. Ernest had finally taken his place again at their usual table, looking torn between saying something to Gareas, who sat at his right elbow, and faking interest in his GOA provided meals. Gareas had also been subdued. He still laughed and joked, but he never dared touch 39 again.
"Garu?"
"Hm?"
Leena and Gareas were reclining on the soft green grass of GOA's relaxation room. The season it mimicked was well into the middle of spring. Winters were always by-passed in the cycle because the flora would ultimately die in the cold, and it had taken painstaking years to grow the variety of plants that resided in the area.
"What do you think of Ernest?"
"I don't know…it's not really my business either," Gareas rolled away from his partner so Leena could no longer see his face. Leena was not the type of person to be brushed off. She wasn't as saintly patient like Ernest. That was why Leena and Gareas had been the closest of matches as repairer and pilot candidate and were chosen to work together. Leena huffed as she shifted.
"Tell me." She wasn't standing for his immature attitude.
"Whatever, the guy can do as he likes," Gareas picked off a broken piece of grass; the room had been freshly mowed.
"But you seem concerned anyway," Leena smiled.
"Well, maybe." Gareas turned back and rested his head beneath his hands.
"Hm?"
"I heard 34's been picking on him again, worse than before," Gareas rubbed his eyes. He yawned away the last sleepy traces of the contentment that had seeped into his skin from the quiet atmosphere of the relaxation room. Gareas clenched his hands. "If he asked, I would kick their asses for him. I've got too much energy inside me these days anyway."
"You really are an idiot, Gareas Elidd!"
"Hey!"
"I can't believe all the EX reactions you've been having lately. You're already being closely watched, don't you think a fight would get you expelled?"
"I know…I know…but sometimes, there's just all this stuff bottled in me, wanting to get out. I can't explain it. You wouldn't understand Leena."
"I wouldn't understand."
"Yeah."
"Ernest would understand, wouldn't he?" Leena turned away.
"No! I didn't mean it like that Leena!" Gareas wrapped an arm around her waist.
"But it's true, isn't it?"
"Well, he is a telepath, and a empathic."
"That's not all…there's something between you two."
"Well, we are friends after all, and I've known Ernest longer than I've known you."
"That's not it. The way he sometimes watches you…sometimes…I wonder."
"Huh?"
"Gareas, you really are blind," Leena smiled and tapped her partner on the nose.
"Maybe the radiance of your beautiful smile is blinding me," Gareas smirked.
"You're such a flirt. You and Rio deserve each other! I know you guys don't always talk about cake and chocolate. And do you have to be so gung-ho in practices? The other repairer girls just have to sigh all over you."
"Of course, I've got a reputation to maintain. I'm definitely not going to lose to Rio; I mean he's a year younger than me! In fact, he should be flattered that I'm acting as his sempai in the art of flirtation."
"Geez!" Leena rolled her eyes. "I can understand how you two pigs can get along, but I don't know how Ernest puts up with you."
"Yeah…I guess I do torture that guy too much," Gareas' eyes were gentle.
"Gareas…what do you feel for Ernest?"
"Huh? Well, a lot of things. He's my best friend, after all. I could really categorize it all. I mean, sometimes I feel happy around him, and other times I just want to smash him in the face. Other times, I want to groan, because the guy's so boring! And other times…"
"Shut up! I don't want you using me anymore!"
"I just feel guilty."
"Garu, you really are just a softie at heart," Leena poked him playfully in the chest. Gareas' frown turned into an adorable pout before he grinned.
"Only for you, babe!"
"Gareas!"
"Okay, I'm sorry, Leena-san." Gareas knew that his partner didn't like to be referred to as "babe", but it was just too much fun to poke fun at her.
"Garu…you know I love you, right?"
Gareas stiffened. He looked into Leena's blue eyes.
"I adore you too."
"Mou! What is it with guys and the taboo on uttering those three words," she whacked him on the head. Gareas laughed, not telling his partner that for just a fraction of a millisecond, he had seen another pair of blue eyes. "Garu!" Gareas looked at the woman by his side. He looked into Leena's smiling face, and that newly born flicker in his heart seemed to die, only to be replaced by the warmth of her embrace.
"But I do adore you…I really do."
He returned the hug. 37 was sincere.
Ernest Cuore was a mediocre candidate. Statistics for the last weeks had shown a marginal drop of successful wins in his pro-ing pratices. GOA officials had also noted his lack of appetite, and his hesitancy in battle. But instead of panicking, Tune Youg seemed perfectly calm as Professor Azuma addressed her.
"Repairer 39, your pilot's level of performance seems to be dropping."
"Yes sir, I am aware of that."
"We at GOA have kept more than a close eye on your pilot. You do realize telepaths are hard to come by."
"Yes sir."
"I should not be sharing this information, but pilot 05 might be retiring soon, and 39 is, was our prime candidate to fill in the spot. However, it has come to my attention that 39 has not yet advanced to first troop."
"Yes sir! I'm afraid it was a mistake on my part during the last evaluation battle. I might not have re-routed enough ener-"
"Tune. You are a good repairer. I know your skill. There is no need to second-guess yourself.
"I, I am sorry sir! But I am sure Ernest will overcome this setback."
"You have a lot of faith in that boy."
"I do sir, because I will be supporting him all the way!"
"You are very observant Tune," Azuma chuckled, and threw down his cigarette where a busy little robot quickly swept up the ashes. Azuma unrolled the paper in his hand. It was an official looking document requesting a change in repairer status. Although GOA handpicked repairer and pilot candidates who would probably work best with one another, there had been cases where certain pairings had simply faltered. Partner assignments were not set in stone, but scarcely did either repairer or pilot candidate ask to be reassigned. Azuma had taken the initiative by filing the rare procedure; he thought Tune Youg deserved someone better. "I assume you will refuse to put your signature on this. I've got an eager cadet needing a partner. Very exceptional. You would work well together."
"No sir! My mind is made up!"
"Are you sure? I do not think Cuore will take you much farther."
"My soul tells me this, I am sure instructor-san."
"The best to you and your partner then, miss," Azuma smiled.
"Ernest-san?" She entered into one GOA's many lounges, where a boy was standing by the window entranced by the sight of Zion. The blonde figure was glowing under Zion's azure light. Understanding the strange communion between the boy and the last hope for humanity, Tune waited until Ernest's soft voice broke the silence.
"It is strange, but when I look at that planet, I feel at peace. I wonder if I have a right to protect it…surely there are many candidates much stronger than me. Much more qualified."
Tune was shocked.
"Iie! You are definitely worthy, Ernest-san!"
"Tune," Ernest closed his blue eyes, "I am thankful for your kind words. I am glad you are here." He opened them again with a gentle smile.
"Then, I am glad too." Tune Youg blushed, but she managed to walk up to her partner to stand by his side…the place where she was sure she belonged.
TBC…
Extra: Omake! Behind the Scenes
During a break between shootings, Gareas, Ernest, and Whitesakura (the director) are resting near the water cooler, sipping their drinks.
Gareas: It's not fair! All the reviewers mention Ernest and Tune, but not me!
Whitesakura: (takes a sip of warm coco) Ernest, what's wrong with him?
Ernest: (whispers) He's just been feeling a little neglected lately, director-san. You gave Tune a whole chapter, and Yu one too.
Whitesakura: Yu got a cameo, not a chapter.
Ernest: (sips at his chrysanthemum tea) But it was an important one…and even some of your reviewers want him back.
Whitesakura: I don't really plan to bring Yu back…
Gareas (has overheard conversation): Not my fault if I'm not as nice as Tune or as eerie as Yu. But is that any reason for fans not to like me?! (Pulls hair)
Whitesakura: I like you Gareas.
Gareas: (glares, and gulps down most of his drink in one go) You don't count.
Ernest: I like you too.
Gareas: (puppy dog eyes) Really? (begins to bawl on Ernest's shoulder)
Whitesakura: O.o
Ernest: o.O
Whitesakura: (snatching Gareas's cup away) This doesn't look like Gareas' normal drink. (Takes a sip and spits the liquid back out) Oh no…he's gotten your usual cup of angst, Ernest.
Ernest: (blinks) But I don't act this way when I'm angsting.
Whitesakura: Yeah, but you don't usually get the extra emotional brand of angst. I really need to fire the new guy whose been handling the beverages. I can't believe this! How can I write more chapters when Gareas refuses to remain in character?
Ernest: I guess that means future updates will be slower?
Whitesakura: Definitely.
Gareas: No one likes me!
Ernest: I do.
Whitesakura: (puts on Leena mask) I do.
Gareas: (smiles because both "Leena" and Ernest are here now) Thanks you guys.
And a big Thank you to Yele, and ALL my readers and reviewers! I was feeling really down lately, and you guys brightened my day. So, please leave a review, and make me smile some more! Don't fret, even criticism's okay : )